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The 15 Best Techno-Thriller Movies, Ranked
Collider has published a ranked list of the 15 best techno-thriller films, a genre the outlet says has evolved alongside real-world advances in computers and communication since Hollywood's Golden Age. Writer Liam Gaughan argues that many landmark entries in the genre emerged when filmmakers pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen, and that while some of the technology depicted has dated, the strongest films remain thrilling and well made regardless.
The list opens at number 15 with 1992's "Sneakers," starring Robert Redford, praised for its nostalgic take on hacking and the surveillance state, followed by 1982's "Tron" at number 14 for its prescient look at video game culture and corporate control, and 2018's "Upgrade" at number 13 for its revenge-driven take on technological overreach. The piece continues counting down further entries towards the number one pick, framing each film's approach to emerging or speculative technology as central to its ranking.
In short
- Collider ranks the 15 best techno-thriller films of all time
- List starts at 15: "Sneakers" (1992), "Tron" (1982), "Upgrade" (2018)
- Films judged on how well they use emerging or speculative technology
Explained simply
Techno-thrillers are films that build suspense around computers, surveillance, communications or other technology. They often explore how new tools might change who holds power, while using them to drive a story of danger or mystery.
The genre has developed alongside real changes in technology, from early communications systems to modern computer networks. Films such as Sneakers, Tron and Upgrade imagine different risks, including hacking, corporate control and technology affecting people’s bodies.
These films can be understood both as thrillers and as snapshots of the hopes and fears of the time they were made. Some details may now seem dated, but their stories can still raise questions about privacy, control and how people use technology.
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